Putnam County’s former elementary school began a new chapter Oct. 6, as the Eatonton City Council held its first meeting in the lobby there, marking a major step toward bringing city government and public safety departments together on one campus.
The meeting also provided the unique property at 314 S. Washington Ave. its new official name, as council members unanimously voted to name it the City of Eatonton Municipal Complex. Council approved the campus name 6-0 following a recommendation from the streets, buildings, and grounds committee. City Administrator Gary Sanders said professionally designed, coordinated signs would identify the new complex outside and City Hall inside.
Mayor John Reid missed the inaugural meeting at the new location, as he was out of town on prearranged city-related business, Sanders later explained. Mayor Pro Tem Chip Walker presided in the mayor’s absence.
“We certainly have a lot more to do, but we’re glad to have this first meeting over here,” Walker said before thanking city employees, administrators, and elected officials for their help over the summer.
City Hall operations staff completed their move in September from the previous City Hall at the former post office building alongside North Jefferson Avenue. City police and fire departments eventually will follow as renovations and funding allow. Walker emphasized the transition would proceed “one step at a time,” as conditions and finances allow.
Councilman James Gorley also urged public patience while the city prepares space for its safety departments, saying officials want their accommodations ready before they move.
In other business, council unanimously ratified the mayor’s authorization to secure additional natural gas pipeline capacity through Southern Natural’s Southeast Connector project. Despite Reid’s absence, Sanders explained an Oct. 12 deadline required immediate action from the council. He described the opportunity as “rare” and said additional capacity would help serve industrial customers and anticipated residential growth alongside Hwy. 44, on the Putnam County side of Lake Oconee.
“We are definitely in the market for additional firm capacity,” Sanders said.
Council also unanimously authorized an agreement for a new drive-by automated meter-reading system for the natural gas department. Sanders said the upgrade was fully funded.
The annual downtown Christmas parade later received unanimous approval to be held 6 Dec. 12 from 6 to 7 p.m. on downtown streets, and the council approved nine members appointed to the Main Street Advisory Board.
Eatonton Fire Chief Jamey Williamson later cautioned residents against confusing county burning rules with more restrictive requirements inside city limits. Although the seasonal burn ban ended Oct. 1, county notices stating that permits are not required do not apply within the City of Eatonton, Williamson said.
“The city does still require a permit to burn,” Williamson said.
He added that residents can call or stop by the Eatonton Fire Department at 214 W. Marion St. to request permission, though he added, some requests may require an inspection, and weather conditions may affect approval.
Williamson also stressed in-city burning is limited to yard debris such as limbs, leaves, and grass. Burning household garbage, building supplies, and construction materials is prohibited, he said.
The first public meeting at Eatonton’s new city hall lasted less than half an hour, as the council ended with a closed session to discuss pending litigation. The next city council meeting will be at 7 p.m., Oct. 19, again planned for the temporary setting with tables and chairs set up in the location’s lobby.